David Rossetti is one of four brothers to play at St. Michael's in the last decade. Photo: Steven Loung/Toronto Observer
St. Michael’s College is hoping that a winning pedigree runs in the family.
The last of four brothers to attend the Toronto high school in the last decade will look to continue an impressive football lineage when he suits up for the Kerry Blues senior team this season.
David Rossetti, a returning Grade 11 defensive back from Mississauga, Ont., will hope to help lead St. Mike’s back to the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario (CISAA) championship game for the fifth straight year, and hopefully, another shot at the Metro Bowl.
“It’s nice to be part of a legacy, if you can call it that,” said Rossetti. “[However] I can’t worry about that stuff though, I just need to come out everyday and focus on playing football.”
The Rossetti name has become synonymous with success at St. Mike’s.
Dan, the oldest alumni member, was a part of the Kerry Blues when they brought home the Metro Bowl in 2002. He later went on to play for Queen’s University.
Next came Matt, a linebacker and member of the 2004 Metro Bowl champions. He has since graduated, heading to the University of Guelph where he will start this season.
Finally came Chris, the quarterback of the Blues during back-to-back Metro Bowl championships in 2006 and 2007. He was named MVP of the game in 2006, and later went on to start at Wilfred Laurier University.
Chris has since joined his brother Matt at Queen’s where he will start the 2010 season, and the way things are going, he won’t be the last Rossetti to play CIS football.
“That’s the goal,” said David, the youngest of the Rossetti brothers. “I want to play university ball.”
Head coach Paul Forbes feels David is well on his way.
“He’s extremely knowledgeable of the game, and a fierce tackler and competitor,” said Forbes. “He’s got his head on straight, and his sights set high.”
Forbes said he would be counting on Rossetti, a natural halfback, as more of an outside linebacker. Specifically, he said he needed to take charge of a young defence with plenty of new faces heading into the season that begins this Saturday De La Salle College.
“He’s a great leader on the team, on and off the field,” said Forbes.
When asked if there was added pressure coming into the year, Rossetti was not fazed and downplayed the idea.
“I mean it’s an honour to be considered a top player, but I just try to focus on team defence, and doing what I’m assigned to do,” said Rossetti. “Sometimes I try to be vocal, just because sometimes it’s easier for a guy to hear things from peers instead of the coach.”
He credited hard work in the off-season for his emergence as a possible game-changer on the team.
“I made the junior team in grade nine, but I didn’t play much, that just kind of inspired me to work harder every year,” said Rossetti. “I’ve never been much of a natural athlete, so I’ve worked really hard in the weight room and on the practice field to give me the competitive edge.”
He attributes his football sense and ability to read the play quickly as his best assets.
In a very mature tone, Rossetti claimed that his experience was the most important key to his success.
“I’ve been around this game so long, the experience just helps me react fast,” he said.
Rossetti, admitted his brothers’ success has set the bar high, but emphasized he uses them as inspiration rather than competition.
“Growing up I was always into football because of my brothers, and I’d think they helped teach me everything I know today,” said Rossetti. “It’s great to have them to train with during the summers, and to just get advice.”
Only time will tell if the Rossetti family will deliver St. Mike’s another CISAA championship, and quite possibly another Metro Bowl, but one thing is certain, David is another product of some fantastic football genes.